Comparing E464 - Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose vs E1203 - Polyvinyl alcohol

Synonyms
E464
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
hypromellose
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
HPMC
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose
hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose
E1203
Polyvinyl alcohol
Vinyl alcohol polymer
PVOH
PVAl
Products

Found in 741 products

Found in 57 products

Search rank & volume
#11315.9K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#1835.5K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×3.12
over-aware

×12.97
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 7 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions
  1. Is hypromellose safe?

    Yes—regulators (EFSA/JECFA/FDA) consider hypromellose (E464) safe at approved use levels; JECFA set an ADI “not specified,” and EFSA found no safety concern at reported uses. Very high intakes may cause mild gastrointestinal effects.

  2. What is hypromellose capsule?

    A hypromellose capsule is a hard, two-piece capsule shell made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose instead of gelatin, used to hold medicines or supplements and often marketed as a vegetarian/vegan option.

  3. What is hypromellose made from?

    It’s made by chemically modifying plant-derived cellulose (typically wood pulp or cotton linters) with methyl and hydroxypropyl groups.

  4. Is hypromellose vegan?

    Yes—it's derived from plant cellulose and contains no animal ingredients, so it’s generally considered vegan/vegetarian.

  5. Is hypromellose gluten free?

    Yes—hypromellose (E464) is gluten‑free; people with celiac disease can consume it, though you should check the overall product for other gluten-containing ingredients.

  1. Is polyvinyl alcohol plastic?

    Yes—polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic plastic polymer; unlike many plastics, it is water‑soluble and used as a film-former, coating, and thickener.

  2. Is polyvinyl alcohol safe?

    Yes—at permitted food-use levels it’s considered safe by regulators (e.g., EU as E1203; FDA for specific uses), is poorly absorbed, and is largely excreted; very high amounts may cause digestive discomfort.

  3. Is polyvinyl alcohol a microplastic?

    Generally no; PVA is water‑soluble and thus not classified as a microplastic under definitions that target solid, insoluble polymer particles.

  4. Is polyvinyl alcohol halal?

    Yes—it's synthetically produced (no animal-derived ingredients) and is generally regarded as halal; for assurance, check for product-specific halal certification.

  5. Is polyvinyl alcohol a plastic?

    Yes—it's a synthetic plastic polymer, though it is water‑soluble and commonly used as a film-forming agent and coating.